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Original poster

Garden Party Attire

19 replies

urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:29

HELP!! My Mum has been invited to a Royal Garden party at the palace and i'm her plus 1. i don't have any smart clothes at all - literally none. i live in gym gear and only own trainers. i haven't been to a wedding in 16 yrs let alone a royal garden party!! Hit me with ideas please. Live rurally so needs to be mail order. For ref. I'm 47, 5'1" size 6/8 basically VERY small! Hate anything tight or high round my neck except scarves. Dresses are usually completely the wrong proportions for me but if they're stretchy might work. Thanks!

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 24/02/2023 09:34

Some thoughts:

You'll need comfy shoes, that are suitable for all surfaces inc grass. Plus a bag that you can carry hands-free (so you can use both hands for food and drink)

Many people wear hats/fascinators

Any particular colours or shapes you like?

Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:39

@AuntieStella literally no idea at all! 🤦🏽‍♀️ I wondered about a fancy headband as my hair is long and i could wear it down with a head band.

OP posts:
Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:41

Agree re the shoes but what sort? I'm in a bit of a panic as the party is May so actually not that far away! i suppose i need to find the outfit and then the shoes.

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FoxFeatures · 24/02/2023 09:42

Google palace garden parties and there are plenty of photos to give you some confidence about what to wear. Tbh think country wedding and you won't go far wrong.

FYI they don't serve alcohol which is a poor show in my book. It was the only thing I was looking forward to.

Whatthediddlyfeck · 24/02/2023 09:42

Are you near a John Lewis or similar where you could have a personal stylist appointment? You don’t need to buy anything but it would help you find what shapes work for you

Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:43

@FoxFeatures it's ok i'm not allowed alcohol due to heart arrhythmia or caffeine! Honestly not even caffeine- so unfair!! i'll be having to take my own sodding decaf tea with me!!

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Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:45

@Whatthediddlyfeck i'll have to google. only move to the area last Nov. Certainly not in the nearest town but maybe within travelling distance.

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NashvilleQueen · 24/02/2023 09:49

Here's an insider guide from a few years ago!

https://www.mummybarrow.com/top-tips-for-a-buckingham-palace-garden-party/

FoxFeatures · 24/02/2023 09:58

urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 09:43

@FoxFeatures it's ok i'm not allowed alcohol due to heart arrhythmia or caffeine! Honestly not even caffeine- so unfair!! i'll be having to take my own sodding decaf tea with me!!

Oh no. I'm sorry.

I Hope your decaf can hit the spot and the sun is shining.

My advice would be to go for a walk through the gardens and around the lake. It is beautiful.

Gruelle · 24/02/2023 10:04

How about this MaxMara silk dress? Comes in your size, bargain, can be very dressed up but also made more casual for your normal life.

Garden Party Attire
pensionconfusion · 24/02/2023 10:06

A hat, fascinator or something to accessorise your hair.

Flat comfortable shoes as you will be walking on grass and on your feet all day.

A bag to match for any makeup, invite and ID.

Most people wear dresses that are knee length or below.

And a jacket.

NoDairyNoProblem · 24/02/2023 10:08

www.debenhams.com/product/karen-millen-petite-compact-stretch-forever-pleat-belted-midi-dress_bkk09504?colour=ivory

Karen Millen do a good petite range. Something like this could be accessorised with any colour. Esska shoes have a good heel for grass!

Gruelle · 24/02/2023 10:21

A bag to match for any makeup, invite and ID.

This is the second post I’ve seen this morning (two threads, different posters,) instructing adult women on the use and required contents of a handbag.

Odd …

Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 10:47

thanks everyone @AuntieStella definitely a couple there - so john lewis looks a good place to start. @NoDairyNoProblem that is also lovely - do i trust myself with white...

I'll have to get myself a bag too...i'm generally a rucksack with kids stuff in it 😂

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Original poster
urrrgh46 · 24/02/2023 10:49

@NashvilleQueen thanks for the link!

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semideponent · 24/02/2023 10:49

https://www.meandem.com/dresses

Lots of options here and they offer size 6

MrsSkylerWhite · 24/02/2023 10:50

Last few Mays have been very hot. I’d choose floaty linen and comfortable flat shoes.

Geranium1984 · 24/02/2023 10:55

I've been to a garden party before. Was such a great day!
I wore an outfit that I'd wear to a smart wedding. A dress with a tweed type jacket and a fascinator. You'll need block heels or wedges for the grass.
From memory they have orange juice and water. I wouldn't byo tea bags 😅

Have a lovely time

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